Brownie Bottom Banana Cupcakes

Brownie Layer

1/4 c. butter

3/4 c. sugar

1 egg

1 tsp. vanilla

2/3 c. flour

2 tbsp. cocoa

1/8 tsp. salt

1/3 c. chocolate chips

Combine all ingredients. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. Spray with non-stick spray (it helps the cupcakes come out of the liners better). place about 1/2 tbsp into each liner. Pat it down to fill the bottom. Next, add the cupcake mix.

Cupcake Layer

1 1/3 c. flour

1 1/4 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/8 tsp. nutmeg

1 egg

3/4 c. brown sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

3 bananas, mashed

1/4 c. sour cream

1/2 c. butter, melted

In a bowl, combine all the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients until well mixed. Then add the dry ingredients. Mix until combined. Add 1/4 c. of the batter to each cupcake. Bake at 350 for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Brown Sugar Frosting (Glaze)

1 1/2 c. powdered sugar

3/4 c. butter

8 oz. cream cheese

3/4 c. brown sugar

1 tbsp. vanilla

Combine all ingredients. Place in the fridge to firm up a bit. This frosting isn't one that holds it's shape, it came out more like a glaze for me, but then again, almost anytime I attempt frostings (with the exception of the frosting I use on my cinnamon rolls) they always turn out soft and more glaze-like. I think it is because I don't add enough powdered sugar because I don't really like the taste of powdered sugar. It makes them too sweet. Anyway...so expect this to be slightly soft, but I'm sure if you added more sugar or even used shortening in place of butter, it might hold it's shape better, but I'll let you play with that because I'm not a big frosting fan. =)